Aka Blay
Known for his hit song “Take Away” which features Cabum, highlife musician Akablay is set to perform his amazing tunes on Saturday, 1st April at Alliance Francaise Accra.
Akablay hit the mainstream music scene in 1991 as the main composer and guitarist of the Western Diamonds, one of the best live bands Ghana has ever seen. But before then, Akablay had paid his dues, taking guitar lessons from Highlife Legends Koo Nimo, King Onyina, Paa Joe and playing in the bands of Rim Akandoh and Jewel Ackah.
For over ten years, the Western Diamonds were the most popular band in Ghana, but in 2002, Akablay left touring to become a full time studio musician.
By 2005, Akablay was itching to hit the road again, and he formed his own group, the ABIZA BAND, and started touring to explore wider African music styles. To date, ABIZA BAND has played in 48 African Countries, and Akablay believes you can hear every one in their music. Whilst traversing Africa, the ABIZA BAND have played with Orlando Julius, Sonti Ndebele, Atongo Zimba, Peter White and Tom Braxton amongst others.
Akablay kept busy in the studio too, and his Guitar licks can be found on many Ghanaian hits. In 2006 he was awarded “Best Guitarist” at the Sunshine Music Awards, in 2010, Akablay won overall “Best Instrumentalist” at the Ghana Music Awards and most recently “Best African Guitarist” at MIA (Benin 2014).
Akablay has played extensively across Europe including SFINKS FESTIVAL (Bel), DELFT FESTIVAL & BLACK AFRICAN MUSIC FESTIVALs (NL), WAKA WAKA FESTIVAL (Den) & the AFRICAN KISS FESTIVAL (Ger).
Ain 2010 Akablay was the bandleader for Miatta Fahnbulley’s NOBEL PEACE PRIZE AWARD performance in Oslo.
